How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Flat painting surfaces are key when repainting kitchen cabinets.

• Remove cabinet doors and drawers before painting.
• Remove knobs, pulls, hinges, and other hardware.
• Label doors, drawers, and hardware if needed so reinstallation is easier.
• Set up a work area with enough room to paint and enough space for extended drying time.
• Lay doors and drawer fronts flat where possible for smoother application.

Cabinets must be clean and dry before sanding, priming, or painting.

• Use a gentle grease remover and damp sponge to clean cabinet doors, drawers, and frames.
• Let the surfaces dry thoroughly after cleaning.
• Use 100- to 150-grit sandpaper to lightly roughen smooth or glossy finishes.
• Do not sand away the full existing finish; the goal is to give primer a better surface to grip.
• Wipe away sanding dust with a slightly damp cloth, then let dry again.

Cabinet painting can involve sanding dust, primer, and paint, so protect the kitchen before coating begins.

• Tape off areas beside cabinets and frames.
• Cover countertops with drop cloths or protective material.
• Protect floors, appliances, backsplash areas, and nearby work surfaces.
• Keep the room well ventilated while working and drying.

A quality primer helps create the foundation for a smoother, more durable cabinet finish.

• Apply Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer to prepared cabinet surfaces.
• Use primer to help with adhesion, hide, stain suppression, and major colour changes.
• Avoid lacquer-based primer when using Advance®, as it can interfere with adhesion.
• Allow the primer to dry for at least 1 hour, or longer if the label requires it.

Once the primer is fully dry, sand again to smooth the surface before painting.

• Use 220-grit sandpaper or a fine sanding block.
• Sand all surfaces lightly.
• Focus on drips, pooled primer, inside corners, and areas where flat surfaces meet.
• Do not remove the primer coat.
• Wipe away dust with a slightly damp cloth, then let dry.

Use a premium Benjamin Moore nylon/polyester brush for detailed areas and a microfibre roller for larger flat surfaces.

• Brush inside and outside edges, profiles, corners, and details.
• Roll larger flat areas with a microfibre roller where appropriate.
• Apply paint evenly and avoid heavy buildup in corners.
• Let the first coat dry completely before sanding or recoating.

A light sanding between coats helps remove small imperfections and improves the final feel of the finish.

• Use 220-grit sandpaper for a final light sanding.
• Sand away imperfections without removing the first coat of paint.
• Pay attention to edges, corners, and any areas with dust or raised texture.
• Wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth, then let dry before recoating.

A second coat of Advance® helps improve coverage and allows the finish to cure more evenly.

• Use the same brush-and-roller approach as the first coat.
• Brush details and roll larger flat areas.
• Keep the coat smooth and even.
• Check edges and corners for drips or heavy buildup before the paint sets.

The longer the paint dries, the more durable the finish will be and the less likely it is to stick during reinstallation.

• Let cabinets dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours.
• Two or three days of drying time is even better when possible.
• Reinstall hardware, doors, and drawers only after the coating has dried properly.
• Avoid heavy cleaning or abrasion for at least five to seven days while hardness and adhesion continue to develop.

Tip: Cabinet paint may feel dry before it reaches full hardness. Handle freshly painted doors and drawers carefully during reinstallation.